Sale in no rush for long-term contract

Coming off break-out season, Sox starter content for now to wait for arbitration year

February 16, 2013|By Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune reporter

GLENDALE, Ariz. — After his breakout 17-victory season in 2012, there might be some impetus for Chris Sale's representatives and the White Sox to discuss a long-term deal.

But Sale said he has no knowledge of such and he's content to receive a one-year contract for 2013 with salary arbitration looming after that.

"I know it happens from time to time," said Sale, who earned $500,000 last season. "But I'm just doing my stuff. If something happens, we'll see. I'm just chugging along."

Some teams, such as the Rays, are known for securing their young stars, such as Evan Longoria and Matt Moore, to long-term deals before they're arbitration eligible.

General manager Rick Hahn wouldn't comment specifically on Sale's status, but he did point to pitchers Gavin Floyd and Sergio Santos as Sox players who received multi-year contracts before being eligible for arbitration.

Position changes: Designated hitter Adam Dunn worked out Saturday at first base and manager Robin Ventura implied again reiterated that first baseman Paul Konerko would receive more breaks this season.

"There's no equation that (Konerko) is going to play only so many games," Ventura said. "It's how we view it during the season and how he's feeling."

Ventura added that he would pick spots to move third basemen Jeff Keppinger and Brent Morel to other infield positions.

"It's not like I'm going to move Brent around just to move him around," Ventura said. "But I think he's versatile enough, so it would be nice to get him a couple of games here and there at some different spots."

Extra innings: Coach Mark Parent is working to improve the target catcher Tyler Flowers gives. "It's just sometimes he relaxes his glove too much on different pitches. It's not that you can tip it because it's so late, but you want to make it consistent. It's just little things." … Ventura was pleased by the large number of early arrivals among the position players. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez, center fielder Alejandro De Aza and infielder Tyler Saladino were the only players who hadn't reported before Sunday's first full-squad workout. … Ventura said Sunday's speech to the team will be "short and straightforward. I know they'll enjoy the short part. I don't know if they'll like the straightforward part."